System and method for contacting vehicle for tandem parking

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for tandem parking are provided. A vehicle includes a camera that obtains an image of a second vehicle parked in tandem with the first vehicle. The vehicle also includes a processor that extracts a vehicle identifier of the second vehicle from the image. The vehicle further includes a wireless modem that sends, from the vehicle, a notification request for the second vehicle including the vehicle identifier. A method of notification includes scanning, by the camera mounted in the first vehicle, a vehicle identifier from a second vehicle parked in tandem with the first vehicle. The method further includes transmitting, by the wireless modem operably connected to the camera, a notification request for the second vehicle including the vehicle identifier.

BACKGROUND

Parking in urban environments is often limited. Multi-level parkinggarages increase parking space by allowing multiple vehicles to occupythe same geographic coordinates. Multi-level parking garages, however,also use a lot of available space for roads and ramps that are needed toaccess each level. Further, multi-level parking garages, for example,those located beneath office buildings, may not have optimal dimensionsfor parking cars.

One solution for increasing parking spaces is to allow tandem parking.In a tandem parking scenario two or more cars are parked end-to-end.Walls, columns, or other vehicles may be located to the sides of thetandem parked cars. Accordingly, tandem parking increases the number ofvehicles that may be parked in a given space. Usually, the first car topark in a tandem spot is blocked from exiting the parking spot by asubsequent (e.g., second, third, etc.) car. This creates a situationwhere the first car waits for a driver(s) of the subsequent car(s) toremove their vehicles before the first car may exit the parking spot. Adriver of the first car may be unable to contact the driver(s) of thesubsequent car(s) and may be unable to move the first car.

In view of the foregoing, tandem parking systems and methods thatprovide the ability to contact the blocking vehicle are provided.Further advantages will become apparent from the disclosure providedbelow.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DETAILEDDESCRIPTION. This summary is not intended to identify key features ofthe claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid indetermining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure a method ofnotification includes scanning, by a camera mounted in a first vehicle,a vehicle identifier from a second vehicle parked in tandem with thefirst vehicle. The method further includes transmitting, by a wirelessmodem operably connected to the camera, a notification request for thesecond vehicle including the vehicle identifier.

In another aspect, a method for tandem parking includes receiving, via awireless modem of a first vehicle, a request to move the first vehicle.The method further includes confirming that the first vehicle is parkedin a tandem parking position with a second vehicle. The method alsoincludes performing a driverless maneuver to allow the second vehicle toexit the tandem parking position in response to the request.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a vehicle including a camerathat obtains an image of a second vehicle parked in tandem with thevehicle. The vehicle also includes a processor that extracts a vehicleidentifier for the second vehicle from the image. The vehicle furtherincludes a wireless modem that sends, from the vehicle, a notificationrequest for the second vehicle including the vehicle identifier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed to be characteristic of the disclosure areset forth in the appended claims. In the descriptions that follow, likeparts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the samenumerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn toscale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalizedform in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The disclosure itself,however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objects andadvances thereof, will be best understood by reference to the followingdetailed description of illustrative aspects of the disclosure when readin conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an example operating environmentof a notification system in accordance with aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a tandem parking scenario involvingmultiple vehicles in a parking facility;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary network for managing a notificationsystem;

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart showing an exemplary method for providingnotifications in a tandem parking scenario in accordance with aspects ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart showing an exemplary method of moving avehicle in response to a notification in accordance with aspects of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 6 presents an exemplary system diagram of various hardwarecomponents and other features for use in accordance with aspects of thepresent disclosure; and

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of various exemplary system components for usein accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following includes definitions of selected terms employed herein.The definitions include various examples and/or forms of components thatfall within the scope of a term and that may be used for implementation.The examples are not intended to be limiting.

A “processor,” as used herein, processes signals and performs generalcomputing and arithmetic functions. Signals processed by the processormay include digital signals, data signals, computer instructions,processor instructions, messages, a bit, a bit stream, or othercomputing that may be received, transmitted and/or detected.

A “bus,” as used herein, refers to an interconnected architecture thatis operably connected to transfer data between computer componentswithin a singular or multiple systems. The bus may be a memory bus, amemory controller, a peripheral bus, an external bus, a crossbar switch,and/or a local bus, among others. The bus may also be a vehicle bus thatinterconnects components inside a vehicle using protocols, such asController Area network (CAN), Local Interconnect Network (LIN), amongothers.

A “memory,” as used herein may include volatile memory and/ornon-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may include, for example, ROM(read only memory), PROM (programmable read only memory), EPROM(erasable PROM) and EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM). Volatile memorymay include, for example, RAM (random access memory), synchronous RAM(SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rateSDRAM (DDR SDRAM), and/or direct RAM bus RAM (DRRAM).

An “operable connection,” as used herein may include a connection bywhich entities are “operably connected”, is one in which signals,physical communications, and/or logical communications may be sentand/or received. An operable connection may include a physicalinterface, a data interface and/or an electrical interface.

A “vehicle,” as used herein, refers to any moving vehicle that ispowered by any form of energy. A vehicle may carry human occupants orcargo. The term “vehicle” includes, but is not limited to: cars, trucks,vans, minivans, SUVs, motorcycles, scooters, boats, personal watercraft,and aircraft. In some cases, a motor vehicle includes one or moreengines.

Generally described, the present disclosure provides for parkingnotifications for tandem parking situations. Turning to FIG. 1, aschematic view of an example operating environment 100 of a vehiclenotification system 110 and example methods according to an aspect ofthe disclosure is provided. The vehicle notification system 110 mayreside within a vehicle 102. The components of the vehicle notificationsystem 110, as well as the components of other systems, hardwarearchitectures, and software architectures discussed herein, may becombined, omitted or organized into various implementations.

The vehicle 102 may generally include an electronic control unit (ECU)112 that operably controls a plurality of vehicle systems. The vehiclesystems may include, but are not limited to, the vehicle notificationsystem 110, among others, including vehicle HVAC systems, vehicle audiosystems, vehicle video systems, vehicle infotainment systems, vehicletelephone systems, and the like. The notification system 110 may includea front camera or other image-capturing device (e.g., a scanner) 120 andrear camera or other image capturing device (e.g., a scanner) 122 thatmay also be connected to the ECU 112 to provide images of theenvironment surrounding the vehicle 102, as described in further detailbelow. The notification system 110 may also include a processor 114 anda memory 116 that communicate with the front camera 120, rear camera122, head lights 124, tail lights 126, communications device 130, andautomatic driving system 132.

The ECU 112 may include internal processing memory, an interfacecircuit, and bus lines for transferring data, sending commands, andcommunicating with the vehicle systems. The ECU 112 may include aninternal processor and memory, not shown. The vehicle 102 may alsoinclude a bus for sending data internally among the various componentsof the vehicle notification system 110.

The vehicle 102 may further include a communications device 130 (e.g.,wireless modem) for providing wired or wireless computer communicationsutilizing various protocols to send/receive electronic signalsinternally with respect to features and systems within the vehicle 102and with respect to external devices. These protocols may include awireless system utilizing radio-frequency (RF) communications (e.g.,IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.15.1 (Bluetooth®)), a near fieldcommunication system (NFC) (e.g., ISO 13157), a local area network(LAN), a wireless wide area network (WWAN) (e.g., cellular) and/or apoint-to-point system. Additionally, the communications device 130 ofthe vehicle 102 may be operably connected for internal computercommunication via a bus (e.g., a CAN or a LIN protocol bus) tofacilitate data input and output between the electronic control unit 112and vehicle features and systems. In an aspect, the communicationsdevice 130 may be configured for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V)communications. For example, V2V communications may include wirelesscommunications over a reserved frequency spectrum. As another example,V2V communications may include an ad hoc network between vehicles set upusing Wi-Fi or Bluetooth®.

The vehicle 102 may include a front camera 120 and a rear camera 122.Each of the front camera and the rear camera may be a digital cameracapable of capturing one or more images or image streams, or may beanother image capturing device, such as a scanner. For example, the rearcamera 122 may be a rear parking camera. The rear camera 122 may providean image of a space directly behind the vehicle 102. For example, therear camera may be located above a bumper of the vehicle. The frontcamera 120 may be a dashboard camera. The front camera 120 may capturean image of a space directly in front of the vehicle 102. In a tandemparking scenario, an image captured by the front camera 120 and/or rearcamera 122 may include an identifier of a vehicle parked directly infront of or behind the vehicle 102. For example, the image may include alicense plate number of the tandem parked vehicle. Additionally, a quickresponse (QR) code may be located on the vehicle and provide a differentidentifier, such as a vehicle identification number (VIN). The frontcamera 120 and/or rear camera 122 may also provide the image to anautomatic driving system 132, which may include a lane keepingassistance system, a collision warning system, or a fully autonomousdriving system, among other systems.

The vehicle 102 may include head lights 124 and tail lights 126, whichmay include any conventional lights used on vehicles. The head lights124 and tail lights 126 may be controlled by the vehicle notificationsystem 110 and/or ECU 112 for providing various notifications. Forexample, the head lights 124 and tail lights 126 may assist withscanning an identifier from a vehicle parked in tandem with the vehicle102. For example, the head lights 124 and/or tail lights 126 may beactivated or controlled to provide desirable lighting when scanning theidentifier from the vehicle parked in tandem. The head lights 124 andtail lights 126 may also provide information such as an acknowledgmentof a remote command (e.g., a move request) by flashing.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a tandem parking scenario involving anelectric vehicle supply equipment 240 and multiple vehicles in a parkingfacility 200. The parking facility 200 may be, for example, a parkinggarage or a parking lot. The parking facility 200 may include a frontboundary 202, which may be, for example, a wall or an edge of theparking lot. The front boundary 202 may also be designated by paintedlines, a fence, a barrier or any other indication. The parking facility200 may also include a side boundary 204. The side boundary 204 may besimilar to the front boundary 202, but located along a length of one ormore parking spaces. Additionally, the parking facility may includeadditional obstacles 206 that may limit parking space. For example,obstacles 206 may include support columns, light posts, or other objectsthat interfere with a regular pattern of parking spaces.

The parking facility 200 may define a plurality of parking spacesarranged in rows and columns. Spaces arranged such that the long sidesof the spaces are adjacent may be considered a row of spaces. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a first row of parking spacesincludes spaces 210, 212, and 214, and a second row of parking spacesincludes spaces 220, 222, and 224. Spaces arranged such that the shortsides of the spaces are adjacent are also interchangeably referred toherein as a column of spaces. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, afirst column of spaces includes space 210 and space 220, a second columnof spaces includes space 212 and space 222, and a third column of spacesincludes space 214 and space 224. Vehicles that are parked in spaceswithin the same column may be considered to be parked in tandem. Forexample, as illustrated, vehicle 230 and vehicle 232 are parked intandem. The vehicles 230, 232, 234, 238 may each be an example of thevehicle 102.

Tandem parking offers benefits in terms of space management andefficiency. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the front boundary202, side boundary 204, and obstacle 206 may prevent placement of anaccess lane that allows direct access to spaces 210 and 212. Allowingtandem parking in the parking facility 200 may increase the total numberof parking spaces available within a given area. Tandem parking,however, may present inconveniences for the drivers of the vehicles. Forexample, the vehicle 230 may be prevented from leaving by the vehicle232. The vehicle 230 may be unable to drive directly out of the parkingspace 210. Generally, parking facilities using tandem parking mayrequire drivers who park in a second row (e.g., parking spaces 220, 222,and 224) to leave a key with an attendant or valet so that the vehicle232 may be moved if the vehicle 230 needs to be moved first. Drivers,however, may feel reluctant or inconvenienced when leaving a key with agarage attendant. Moreover, not all parking facilities may employ anattendant or valet, or it may be inconvenient to locate such a personwithin the parking facility. Additionally, some drivers may attempt toavoid the tandem parking scenario, for example, by parking in space 222while space 212 remains empty. Such parking strategies may reduce thetotal capacity of the parking facility 200.

By equipping one or more of the vehicles 230, 232, 234, 236 with thenotification system 110, the vehicles 230, 232, 234, 236 may help reducethe problems associated with tandem parking. For example, a vehicle 230may initiate a process for moving the vehicle 232 such that the vehicle230 may exit the parking space 210.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary network 300 for managing a notificationsystem 110. The network 300 may be a communications network thatfacilitates communications between multiple systems. For example, thenetwork 300 may include the Internet or another internet protocol (IP)based network. The network 300 may enable the notification system 110 tocommunicate with a mobile device 310, a mobile service provider 320, aparking facility system 330, a manufacturer system 340, or a governmentsystem 350.

The notification system 110 within each vehicle 230, 232 may communicatewith the network 300 via the communications device 130. The notificationsystem 110 may, for example, transmit an identifier of a tandem parkedvehicle to the parking facility system 330, the manufacturer system 340,or the government system 350. The notification system 110 may alsoreceive a notification from another vehicle or from the parking facilitysystem 330, manufacturer system 340, or government system 350. Forexample, the vehicle 232 may receive a notification indicating that thevehicle 232 should be moved. If the vehicle 232 includes an automaticdriving system, the vehicle 232 may perform a driverless maneuver toallow the vehicle 230 to exit the tandem position.

The mobile device 310 may be a personal mobile device of a driver of avehicle. The mobile device 310 may have different contact informationthan the notification system 110. For example, the mobile device 310 mayhave a telephone number, a device identifier (e.g., a mobile equipmentidentifier (MEID), an electronic serial number (ESN), or aninternational mobile equipment identify (IMEI)), an IP address, an emailaddress, and/or a username associated with a service or application. Themobile device 310 may be registered in association with the vehicle 232with one or more of the mobile service provider 320, parking facilitysystem 330, manufacturer system 340, or government system 350, or withinthe vehicle 232. The notification system 110 of vehicle 230 maydetermine the contact information of the mobile device 310 via one ormore registrations. The mobile device 310 associated with the vehicle232 may receive a notification indicating that the vehicle 232 needs tobe moved (e.g., to allow the vehicle 230 to exit the parking space). Forexample, the notification may be a message asking the driver to returnto the vehicle 232 and move the vehicle 232. The notification may alsobe a message asking for consent for an automatic driving system 132 tomove the vehicle 232. Another example message may indicate that theautomatic driving system 132 has moved the vehicle 232 to a differentparking space.

The mobile service provider 320 may be an entity that provides serviceto the mobile device 310 and/or the communications device 130. Forexample, the communications device 130 may include a wireless modem thatoperates on a cellular network. The mobile service provider 320 maystore information regarding the vehicle 232 and/or a driver or mobiledevice 310 associated with the vehicle 232. For example, thecommunications device 130 may share an account with the mobile device310. In another aspect, the mobile service provider 320 may storevehicle information (e.g., license plate number and/or VIN number) forany vehicle including a communications device 130 to which the mobileservice provider 320 provides network service. The mobile serviceprovider 320 may provide a portal (e.g., a website or web service)allowing a notification system 110 to contact another notificationsystem 110 or the mobile device 310 based on vehicle information. Forexample, the notification system 110 of the vehicle 230 may transmit amove request to the mobile service provider 320 including the vehicleinformation, and the mobile service provider 320 may automaticallyforward the move request to the vehicle 232 and/or the mobile device310.

The parking facility system 330 may include a computer system associatedwith the parking facility 200. The parking facility system 330 may alsostore registration information associated with each of the vehicles 230,232, 234, 236 utilizing the parking facility 200. For example, theparking facility 200 may require a driver to register a license platenumber and contact information when parking. Accordingly, the parkingfacility system 330 may act in a similar manner as the mobile serviceprovider 320 described above. That is, the parking facility system 330may receive a move request from a vehicle 230 and forward the message onto the vehicle 232 and/or the mobile device 310. The parking facilitysystem 330 may also store information regarding a key or parking spaceassociated with the vehicle 232. Accordingly, a valet may respond to themove request by obtaining the key associated with the vehicle 232 andgoing to the associated parking space to manually move the vehicle 232.

The manufacturer system 340 may include a computer system associatedwith one or more vehicle manufacturers or dealers. The manufacturersystem 340 may also include registration information regarding a vehicleand/or driver. For example, the manufacturer system 340 may include anassociation of a VIN and/or license plate number with an identifier ofthe communications system. The manufacturer system 340 may furtherinclude contact information for the driver such as a telephone numberfor the mobile device 310. Accordingly, the manufacturer system 340 mayoperate in a similar manner to the mobile service provider 320 orparking facility system 330 discussed above.

The government system 350 may include a computer system associated withone or more government entities such as, for example, a department ofmotor vehicles. The government system 350 may also include registrationinformation regarding a vehicle and/or driver. For example, thegovernment system 350 may include an association of a VIN and/or licenseplate number with a driver of the vehicle 232. The government system 350may further include contact information for the driver such as atelephone number for the mobile device 310. Accordingly, the governmentsystem 350 may operate in a similar manner to the mobile serviceprovider 320 or parking facility system 330 discussed above.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 400 for providingnotifications in a tandem parking scenario. The method 400 may beperformed by a notification system 110 within a 102 that is in a tandemparking position such as vehicle 230 or vehicle 232.

In block 410, the method 400 may include receiving an indication thatthe vehicle 230 needs to move. In an aspect, for example, thenotification system 110 may receive the indication that the vehicle 230needs to move from a driver of the vehicle 230. For example, the driverof vehicle 230 may send a message via an application executing on amobile device. The message may indicate that the driver intends to leavethe parking space at a particular time or within a certain time period.For example, the driver may send the message when the driver hasfinished a particular task (e.g., making a purchase) at a location nearthe parking facility 200 and would like to be able to leave the parkingspace 210 when the driver returns to the vehicle 230.

In block 420, the method 400 may include scanning an identifier of atandem parked vehicle. The scanning may be in response to receiving theindication in block 410. In an aspect, for example, the notificationsystem 110 of the vehicle 230 may scan the identifier of the tandemparked vehicle using the front camera 120 and/or the rear camera 122. Inanother aspect, the scanning may be performed by the vehicle 232 whenthe vehicle 232 is first parked to determine whether the vehicle 232 isparked in a tandem position with vehicle 230. For example, thenotification system 110 may activate the head lights 124 and/or taillights 126 to illuminate the tandem parked vehicle while the frontcamera 120 and/or the rear camera 122 obtains an image of the tandemparked vehicle. If no vehicle is present in the tandem parking position,the notification system 110 may determine that the vehicle 230 is freeto leave the parking space 210. The notification system 110 may continueto monitor the front camera 120 and/or the rear camera 122 to determinewhether another vehicle enters the parking space 220. The notificationsystem 110 may flash the head lights 124 and/or tail lights 126 or honkthe horn if another vehicle attempts to park in space 220. If a vehicleis present in the tandem parking space 220, the image may include anidentifier of the vehicle. For example, the license plate number of thetandem parked vehicle may be within the image. Another identifier suchas a VIN number or QR code may also be within the image. Thenotification system 110 may analyze the image to determine theidentifier using image processing software stored in memory 116 andexecuted by the processor 114. In another embodiment, scanning theidentifier of a tandem parked vehicle may include taking a picture withan mobile device such as a mobile phone including a camera or a cameraincluding communication capabilities. The mobile device may beassociated with the first vehicle 230. For example, the mobile devicemay provide an image or information extracted from the image to thefirst vehicle 230.

In block 430, the method 400 may include sending a notification request.The notification request may be sent based on an availablecommunications system. For example, the notification system 110 may usethe communications device 130 to send the notification request via aWWAN if available. In some cases, however, WWAN service may be limited(e.g., due to underground parking), and the notification system 110 maysend the notification request via an alternative system such as a WLANprovided by the parking facility 200. In another aspect, thenotification system 110 may use V2V communication to relay thenotification request to another vehicle with a WWAN or WLAN connection.In an aspect, the notification request may include informationidentifying both the vehicle 232 and the vehicle 230. The informationidentifying the vehicle 232 may be used to determine contact informationfor the vehicle 232 or driver thereof. The information identifying thevehicle 232 may be used for authentication to ensure that it is actuallynecessary to move the vehicle 232. The notification request may alsoinclude known contact information for the vehicle sending thenotification request or the driver thereof. For example, when thevehicle 232 parks in the tandem parking position, the vehicle 232 maysend a notification request including contact information so that thedriver of vehicle 232 may be contacted to move the vehicle 232 whennecessary.

The notification request may be sent to one or more of the mobileservice provider 320, parking facility system 330, manufacturer system340, or government system 350. In an aspect, the notification messagemay be sent to an entity that manages a notification service. Forexample, the parking facility system 330 or manufacturer system 340 mayprovide an application for submitting notification requests. The parkingfacility system 330 or manufacturer system 340 may then acquireinformation from another system if necessary. For example, if amanufacturer system 340 maintains a registry of VIN numbers andcommunication system identifiers but receives a notification requestincluding only a license plate number, the manufacturer system 340 maycontact the government system 350 to obtain a VIN number based on thelicense plate number.

In block 440, the method 400 may optionally include receiving contactinformation. In an aspect, for example, the communications device 130may receive contact information from one or more of the mobile serviceprovider 320, parking facility system 330, manufacturer system 340, orgovernment system 350. The contact information may provide a point ofcontact for the vehicle 232 or driver thereof. For example, the contactinformation may be a telephone number, user name, or IP address.

In block 450, the method 400 may optionally include sending a moverequest to the vehicle 232 or driver thereof using the contactinformation. In an aspect, for example, the notification system 110 ofthe vehicle 230 may directly contact the notification system 110 of thevehicle 232 or the mobile device 310. For example, the notificationsystem 110 may transmit the move request as a text message. The moverequest may include information identifying the vehicle 230, which maybe used to authenticate the request. The vehicle 232 or driver thereofmay move the vehicle 232 in response to the move request.

In an alternative embodiment, one of the mobile service provider 320,parking facility system 330, manufacturer system 340, or governmentsystem 350 may send the move request to the vehicle 232 and/or themobile device 310 without sending contact information to the vehicle232. The notification system 110 may also provide status updates andacknowledgments of any relevant communications within network 300. Forexample, the notification system 110 may receive a message indicatingthat a driver of vehicle 232 has received the move request and will bemoving the vehicle 232 shortly.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 500 for moving avehicle from a tandem parking position in response to a notification.The method 500 may be performed by a notification system 110 within avehicle 232 that is in a tandem parking position that blocks anothervehicle 230 from exiting the tandem parking position.

At block 510, the method 500 may include receiving, at a first vehicle,a request to move the first vehicle. In an aspect, for example, thevehicle 232 may receive the request to move the vehicle 232. The vehicle232 may receive the request via the communications device 130. In anaspect, the communications device 130 may be activated while the vehicle232 is parked via a V2V communication. For example, a pattern offlashing lights or horn honks may be used activate the communicationsdevice 130 for receiving a message via a radio-frequency (RF)communication protocol. The request may include an identifier of thevehicle 232 as well as an identifier of a second vehicle 230 requestingthat the vehicle 232 move. For example, the identifier of the secondvehicle 230 may include a license plate number of the second vehicle230.

In block 520, the method 500 may include confirming that the vehicle isparked in a tandem parking position with a second vehicle. In an aspect,for example, the notification system 110 may use the front camera 120and/or the rear camera 122 to confirm that the vehicle 232 is parked ina tandem parking position with the second vehicle 230. For example, thenotification system 110 may obtain an image of both the front and rearof the vehicle and determine whether the vehicle 230 is in the obtainedimages. The notification system 110 may compare the identifier of thesecond vehicle 230 with an identifier extracted from the obtainedimages. The vehicle 232 may also confirm that the vehicle 232 isactually blocking the vehicle 230 from leaving a parking space. Forexample, the vehicle 232 may determine whether there is an alternativeroute that the vehicle 230 may use to leave the parking space 210.

In block 530, the method 500 may optionally include determining a mobiledevice associated with the first vehicle. In an aspect, for example, thenotification system 110 may determine a mobile device 310 associatedwith the vehicle 232. Information identifying the mobile device 310 maybe previously stored in the memory 116 by the driver of vehicle 232. Forexample, the mobile device 310 may have been previously paired with thenotification system 110 via a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection. If morethan one mobile device is associated with the vehicle 232, thenotification system 110 may determine a most recent device associatedwith the vehicle 232 such as the most recent device to access thenotification system 110 via the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection.

In block 540, the method 500 may optionally include requestingpermission from the mobile device to move the first vehicle. In anaspect, for example, the notification system 110 may request permissionvia the communications device 130 from the mobile device 310 to move thevehicle 232. For example, the communications device 130 may place a callto the mobile device 310 with a recorded voice message asking forpermission to move the vehicle 232. Alternatively, text basedcommunications may be used, but may not illicit an immediate response.In another aspect, the vehicle 232 may move unless the mobile device 310expressly denies the request within a certain time period.

In block 550, the method 500 may include performing a driverlessmaneuver to allow the second vehicle to exit the tandem parkingposition. In an aspect, for example, the notification system 110 mayactivate the automatic driving system 132 perform the driverlessmaneuver to allow the second vehicle 230 to exit the tandem parkingspace 220. A driverless maneuver may include any action that allows thevehicle 232 to move without a driver. For example, the automatic drivingsystem may disengage a braking system and shift the vehicle 232 into aneutral gear to allow the vehicle 232 to be pushed. As another example,the automatic driving system may perform a pre-defined movement routinesuch as moving a prescribed distance directly forward or backward withor without turning the vehicle 232. Such a limited maneuver may allowthe vehicle 230 to exit the tandem parking position without complicatednavigation. The vehicle 232 may then perform a reverse pre-definedmovement to return to the same parking space. In another aspect, theautomatic driving system 132 may use front camera 120 and/or rear camera122 as well as any other available sensors to navigate the vehicle 232to a different available parking space. For example, the automaticdriving system 132 may move the vehicle 232 from the space 220 to thespace 224. In an aspect, the parking facility system 330 may provide anindication of an available parking space and/or navigation for reachingthe available parking space.

Aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented using hardware,software, or a combination thereof and may be implemented in one or morecomputer systems or other processing systems. In one aspect, thedisclosure is directed toward one or more computer systems capable ofcarrying out the functionality described herein. FIG. 6 presents anexample system diagram of various hardware components and other featuresthat may be used in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.Aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented using hardware,software, or a combination thereof and may be implemented in one or morecomputer systems or other processing systems. In one exemplaryvariation, aspects of the disclosure are directed toward one or morecomputer systems capable of carrying out the functionality describedherein. An example of such a computer system 600 is shown in FIG. 6.

Computer system 600 includes one or more processors, such as processor604. The processor 604 is connected to a communication infrastructure606 (e.g., a communications bus, cross-over bar, or network). Varioussoftware aspects are described in terms of this example computer system.After reading this description, it will become apparent to a personskilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement aspects of thedisclosure using other computer systems and/or architectures.

Computer system 600 may include a display interface 602 that forwardsgraphics, text, and other data from the communication infrastructure 606(or from a frame buffer not shown) for display on a display unit 630.Computer system 600 also includes a main memory 608, preferably randomaccess memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory 610. Thesecondary memory 610 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 612and/or a removable storage drive 614, representing a floppy disk drive,a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, etc. The removable storagedrive 614 reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit 618 in awell-known manner. Removable storage unit 618, represents a floppy disk,magnetic tape, optical disk, etc., which is read by and written toremovable storage drive 614. As will be appreciated, the removablestorage unit 618 includes a computer usable storage medium having storedtherein computer software and/or data.

In alternative aspects, secondary memory 610 may include other similardevices for allowing computer programs or other instructions to beloaded into computer system 600. Such devices may include, for example,a removable storage unit 622 and an interface 620. Examples of such mayinclude a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as that foundin video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an erasableprogrammable read only memory (EPROM), or programmable read only memory(PROM)) and associated socket, and other removable storage units 622 andinterfaces 620, which allow software and data to be transferred from theremovable storage unit 622 to computer system 600.

Computer system 600 may also include a communications interface 624.Communications interface 624 allows software and data to be transferredbetween computer system 600 and external devices. Examples ofcommunications interface 624 may include a modem, a network interface(such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a Personal ComputerMemory Card International Association (PCMCIA) slot and card, etc.Software and data transferred via communications interface 624 are inthe form of signals 628, which may be electronic, electromagnetic,optical or other signals capable of being received by communicationsinterface 624. These signals 628 are provided to communicationsinterface 624 via a communications path (e.g., channel) 626. This path626 carries signals 628 and may be implemented using wire or cable,fiber optics, a telephone line, a cellular link, a radio frequency (RF)link and/or other communications channels. In this document, the terms“computer program medium” and “computer usable medium” are used to refergenerally to media such as a removable storage drive 680, a hard diskinstalled in hard disk drive 670, and signals 628. These computerprogram products provide software to the computer system 600. Aspects ofthe disclosure are directed to such computer program products.

Computer programs (also referred to as computer control logic) arestored in main memory 608 and/or secondary memory 610. Computer programsmay also be received via communications interface 624. Such computerprograms, when executed, enable the computer system 600 to performvarious features in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure,as discussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, whenexecuted, enable the processor 604 to perform such features.Accordingly, such computer programs represent controllers of thecomputer system 600.

In variations where aspects of the disclosure are implemented usingsoftware, the software may be stored in a computer program product andloaded into computer system 600 using removable storage drive 614, harddrive 612, or communications interface 620. The control logic(software), when executed by the processor 604, causes the processor 604to perform the functions in accordance with aspects of the disclosure asdescribed herein. In another variation, aspects are implementedprimarily in hardware using, for example, hardware components, such asapplication specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Implementation of thehardware state machine so as to perform the functions described hereinwill be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s).

In yet another example variation, aspects of the disclosure areimplemented using a combination of both hardware and software.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of various example system components that maybe used in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Forexample, the various components may be within the vehicle 102, or onlysome of the components may be within the vehicle 102, and othercomponents may be remote from the vehicle 102. The system 700 includesone or more accessors 760, 762 (also referred to interchangeably hereinas one or more “users”) and one or more terminals 742, 766 (suchterminals may be or include, for example, various features of thenotification system 110 or network 300). In one aspect, data for use inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure is, for example, inputand/or accessed by accessors 760, 762 via terminals 742, 766, such aspersonal computers (PCs), minicomputers, mainframe computers,microcomputers, telephonic devices, or wireless devices, such aspersonal digital assistants (“PDAs”) or a hand-held wireless devicescoupled to a server 743, such as a PC, minicomputer, mainframe computer,microcomputer, or other device having a processor and a repository fordata and/or connection to a repository for data, via, for example, anetwork 744, such as the Internet or an intranet, and couplings 745,746, 764. The couplings 745, 746, 764 include, for example, wired,wireless, or fiber optic links. In another example variation, the methodand system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure operatein a stand-alone environment, such as on a single terminal.

The aspects of the disclosure discussed herein may also be described andimplemented in the context of computer-readable storage medium storingcomputer-executable instructions. Computer-readable storage mediaincludes computer storage media and communication media. For example,flash memory drives, digital versatile discs (DVDs), compact discs(CDs), floppy disks, and tape cassettes. Computer-readable storage mediamay include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable mediaimplemented in any method or technology for storage of information suchas computer readable instructions, data structures, modules or otherdata.

It will be appreciated that various implementations of theabove-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives orvarieties thereof, may be desirably combined into many other differentsystems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen orunanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvementstherein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which arealso intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

1. A method of notification comprising: scanning, by a camera mounted ona first vehicle, a vehicle identifier of a second vehicle parked intandem with the first vehicle; and transmitting, by a wireless modemoperably connected to the camera, a notification request for the secondvehicle including the vehicle identifier.
 2. The method of claim 1,further comprising receiving an indication that a driver of the firstvehicle wants to move the first vehicle, wherein the scanning is inresponse to receiving the indication.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereinthe scanning comprises: capturing an image of the second vehicle usingthe camera; and analyzing the image to determine the identifier.
 4. Themethod of claim 3, further comprising illuminating the second vehiclewith a light of the first vehicle while capturing the image.
 5. Themethod of claim 3, wherein the identifier is a license plate number orquick response (QR) code.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein thetransmitting comprises: transmitting the notification request to aserver that provides a notification portal that processes notificationrequests including vehicle identifiers.
 7. The method of claim 1,further comprising: receiving, via the wireless modem, contactinformation for the second vehicle; and transmitting a request to movethe second vehicle based on the contact information for the secondvehicle.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the second vehicle performs adriverless maneuver to allow the first vehicle to exit the tandemposition in response to the request.
 9. The method of claim 8, whereinthe second vehicle sends a notification to a user of the second vehicleindicating that the second vehicle has been moved.
 10. A method fortandem parking comprising: receiving, via a wireless modem of a firstvehicle, a request to move the first vehicle; confirming that the firstvehicle is parked in a tandem parking position with a second vehicle;and performing a driverless maneuver to allow the second vehicle to exitthe tandem parking position in response to the request.
 11. The methodof claim 10, further comprising: determining a mobile device associatedwith the first vehicle; and requesting permission, via the wirelessmodem, from the mobile device to move the first vehicle.
 12. The methodof claim 10, wherein confirming that the vehicle is parked in a tandemparking position with the second vehicle comprises: obtaining an imagefrom a front camera and an image from a rear camera; and determiningthat the second vehicle is present in one of the images.
 13. The methodof claim 12, wherein confirming that the vehicle is parked in a tandemparking position with the second vehicle further comprises: extractingan identifier of the second vehicle from one of the images; determiningthat the identifier of the second vehicle matches a vehicle identifierof a requesting vehicle included in the request to move the firstvehicle.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein confirming that the firstvehicle is parked in a tandem parking position with a second vehiclecomprises: determining that the second vehicle does not have analternative route for exiting the tandem position.
 15. The method ofclaim 10, wherein performing the driverless maneuver comprisesdisengaging a braking system of the first vehicle and shifting the firstvehicle into a neutral gear.
 16. The method of claim 10, whereinperforming the driverless maneuver comprises: moving the first vehicle aprescribed distance away from the second vehicle without turning thefirst vehicle; and moving the first vehicle the prescribed distance inan opposite direction to return to the same parking space.
 17. Themethod of claim 10, wherein performing the driverless maneuver comprisesmoving the first vehicle to another available parking space.
 18. A firstvehicle comprising: a camera that obtains an image of a second vehicleparked in tandem with the first vehicle; a processor that extracts avehicle identifier for the second vehicle from the image; a wirelessmodem that sends, from the first vehicle, a notification request for thesecond vehicle including the vehicle identifier.
 19. The first vehicleof claim 18, further comprising: an external light; and an electroniccontrol unit that turns the external light on while the camera obtainsthe image of the second vehicle.
 20. The first vehicle of claim 19,further comprising: an automatic driving system, wherein the wirelessmodem receives, at a first vehicle, a request to move the first vehicle;wherein the processor confirms that the first vehicle is parked in atandem parking position with a second vehicle; and wherein the automaticdriving system performs a driverless maneuver to allow the secondvehicle to exit the tandem parking position in response to the request.